Fruit vendors at Mandaue City Public Market welcomed a temporary reprieve after Mayor Thadeo "Jonkie" Ouano declared a moratorium on the implementation of a new ordinance imposing a P1 per kilo fee on fruits brought into the market. The announcement came during a meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in response to vendors’ appeals against the immediate enforcement of the ordinance.

The regulation, part of the city’s updated market code, was set to increase vendors' daily operating costs considerably, threatening the viability of many small-scale operators who depend on modest profit margins.

Mayor Ouano emphasized that the moratorium is a provisional measure pending amendments to the market code, which will undergo public hearings before any permanent enforcement. "This is only a moratorium until the City Council can amend the market code, which still requires public hearings," he stated, assuring vendors that their concerns will be carefully reviewed.

Expressing relief on behalf of their peers, vendor Brenda Mabanta said, "We are very happy that Mayor Jonkie understands our struggle and gave us time before the ordinance is enforced."

The mayor also instructed City Councilor Ben Basiga, chair of the Committee on Market and Abattoir, to lead efforts in revising the market code. Ouano highlighted the need for amendments that balance the city’s revenue objectives with the protection of small vendors’ livelihoods. "If possible, let’s amend the market code so we can remain competitive with other cities and most importantly, let’s listen to the people," Ouano told Basiga during the discussion.

The meeting included City Administrator Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. and key public market officials Malaquias Soco and Ofelia Pareja, who will oversee the proper implementation of market regulations moving forward.